Wassup y’all! Ya boy (it me ya boy) is here with something other than hoops. As the title suggests, we’re going to preview the upcoming National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The NWSL was first established in 2013, with eight charter teams. The first championship was won by the Portland Thorns FC with the New York Flag winning the NWSL shield due to then playing in their fourth league in four years. A dozen years later, the NWSL has 15 teams now, with the Orlando Pride winning last year’s championship.
The league has expanded to the point where regular season matches can be seen in multiple ways. Games will air on Amazon Prime, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+, CBS and CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, ION and NWSL+. Roku just announced an NWSL Zone, exclusive to Roku Sports. The Zone will showcase live and upcoming games, popular programming and more for the league. “With the popularity of women’s sports soaring, we’re focusing on amplifying the talent that makes it all happen,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports at Roku. “Curating a dedicated zone for the NWSL is another step in our mission to champion female athletes, their record-breaking achievements, and their inspiring stories.”
The Orlando Pride will be in the first game of the season, with Championship MVP Barbra Banda leading Orlando alongside Brazilian soccer legend Marta against Chicago Stars FC. Last year’s runner-up, the Washington Spirit, will play in the other opening night match against the Houston Dash. Trinity Rodman, Olympian and USWNT member, plays for the Spirit and returns as the team’s leading goal-scorer.
As I previously stated, the NWSL has grown exponentially as part of the overall growth in interest and support of women’s sports. The league has an assortment of major partners. These entities include Nationwide, CarMax, Nike, Adobe, Ally, EA Sports, Amazon, Google Pixel, Bobbie and Deloitte. The league has also partnered with e.l.f Cosmetics on a multi-year deal as The NWSL’s official makeup and skin care partner. Kory Marchisotto, Chief Marketing Officer, e.l.f. Beauty, said, “Soccer’s global momentum is unstoppable. In the U.S. specifically, soccer attracts the youngest, most inclusive and diverse fanbase, with 54% under age 45 and 40% fans of color. By breaking barriers and connecting communities with the NWSL, e.l.f. furthers its mission to democratize access for every eye, lip and face. We help level the playing field so everyone wins.”
Before the regular season begins, the NWSL had a Challenge Cup that saw last year’s championship opponents, Orlando and Washington, square off again. This time, it was the Washington Spirit coming away with the penalty shootout victory after an Orlando goal late in regulation was ruled offside. Washington’s Aubrey Kingsbury came away with Challenge Cup MVP honors for scoring during the shootout. The spirit were able to win that Cup without Rodman in the lineup, signifying their depth of talent.
With a new slate, all 15 teams will be looking to vie for the 2025 NWSL championship. Players have changed teams and the shuffle of ever-growing talent can only hope to produce better on-field play. Over the next seven-and a-half-months, everyone will be in pursuit of teaching the top of the NWSL mountain. It should be a bun and thrilling journey, and I hope even more people tune in.
That’s it for me. Catch y’all next time.
